We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

This role will manage supplies, equipment scheduling, and training for the R&D laboratory at HF Scientific, Fort Myers, FL. This role will assist in development and manage testing of new analytical chemistry formulations and new water quality testing instrumentation. This position will focus on development of water quality testing instrumentation, adapting chemistry for these instruments and construction of calibration curves as well as perform duties necessary to maintain efficient daily operation of the laboratory. Performs all other work as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Purchase and maintain equipment and all consumables (weigh boats, pipettes, etc.) used in the laboratory settingPurchase, inventory, maintain, properly store and plan for chemicals used in laboratory settingMaintain and enforce proper documentation and organization of all work performed by the department including detailed note taking and maintaining project journalsDirectly interface with other departments and building maintenance for laboratory upkeep as needed.Maintain laboratory in a clean and orderly fashionNew product development of water quality chemistryCreate, optimize, and test new chemical formulationsConduct chemistry analysis using spectroscopy and other bench chemistry techniquesLead development of calibration curves for new instrumentationLead testing of prototype instrumentationPrepare compounds, reagents, and solutions used in laboratory procedures on a daily basisExplore technological integration of related & unrelated applications/productsProvide instruction on proper chemical testing and processing procedures including mixing times, operating temperatures, and ingredientsConstruct and test proof of concept instrumentation (Requiring basic chemistry, electronics, and computer skills. As well as advanced problem solving)Maintain a high level of integrity, responsibility, and organization in conceptualization, design, & repetitive testing of new water quality chemistries and instrumentationUse brainstorming/investigation to identify innovative solutions to satisfy market needsAnalyze and reverse engineer various substances to find their compositionInterface/collaborate with multiple departments, disciplines, & levels of management to achieve cross-functional goalsPresentation and demonstration of new concepts and/or newly developed productsTravel to customer sites for POC and Pilot analyzer installations as needed.Perform all duties as necessary between R&D and NPD departments to pass instruments through the Stage Gate process. This may include but is not limited to: extended testing, shelf life testing, conducting product and/or reagent trainings, attending meetings, generating reports, compiling outstanding documents, and speaking as the SME (Subject Matter Expert) when collaborating with others.Interface/collaborate/coordinate with external laboratories, universities, and students on projects and schedules both internal and external to Watts.Attend regular weekly internal trainings to maintain soft and hard skills in the cross-functional, technological workspace.Attend conferences & trade shows to improve company talent & performance cultureTrain/coach new employees as neededPerforms all other duties as required.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s in Chemistry or other physical science

MANAGEMENT:

No direct reports

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a R&D, manufacturing, or environmental laboratory settingExperience in laboratory managementPrevious experience with preparing chemical formulationsFamiliar with drinking and wastewater analysisExperience with data collection via laboratory, portable, and process instrumentationStrong math skillsExcellent organization and time management skillsMust be able to read and understand various regulatory standards such as GHS, ISO, NSF as neededStrong computer skills required including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power PointMust be able to write technical documentationFamiliar with general laboratory safety and chemical hygieneExperience with handling and testing biological samples is a plusGood grammar, spelling, and proof reading skillsMust work well with others

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

*WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, works in a chemical lab environment but is also required to perform job duties in a typical office setting.This position regularly requires large amounts of time to be spent using lab equipment, which generally entails regular and repetitive motions along with exposure to loud noises and chemical material. All safety procedures should be adhered to in these situations.This position also requires some amount of time to be spent using computer equipment, which entails regular and repetitive motions.Will regularly be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or chemicals. All safety procedures should be adhered to in each of these situations.

*As required by the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)

Watts in it for you:

Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experienceComprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefitsFamily building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave10 paid holidays and Paid Time OffContinued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursementAdditional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programsLearn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.